AN OUTRAGED gardener has hit out over sewage spills into Ludlow's waterways.
Larissa Calder, 33, was prompted to act after watching Channel 4's 'Dirty Business', which focused on raw sewage spills into rivers and their devastating impact on people and the environment.
"I did some research and stumbled across some numbers and I was astonished about how much sewage is being released," she said.
"No one else seemed to be outraged and if no one else will speak up, I will."
Mrs Calder said change is needed and her concern is that not enough people are voicing how they feel.
"The power is in the people to put pressure on," she said.
"My concern is that water companies are getting away with it and I don't understand how sewage discharge is justified."
The Aston Munslow gardener says people should not accept it.
"Our waterways are full of sewage and that is not okay," Mrs Calder said.
"Ludlow has bathing sites and paddling areas because its a beautiful place but actually if you inform yourself about what is in the water you will not be happy."
The town's Teme bathing river area stretches from the Linney boating pontoon to the Ludlow Mill beach, just upstream of Dinham bridge.
The most recent data published by the Environment Agency rates water quality at the site as 'poor' as of 2025.
South Shropshire MP Stuart Anderson said earlier this year that it was "disappointing" that the stretch had again been rated poor, adding that this was "despite the huge efforts of local residents and partners working hard to improve water quality".
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Severn Trent said it is investing to improve river health in the region.
Wilfred Denga, Severn Trent Bathing Rivers lead, said the water company is investing £2 billion to improve river health and reduce spills across the region by 2030, including £140m in Shropshire.”
He added: “We have seen very heavy rainfall this winter, during which storm overflows may spill as they are designed and permitted to do so, to prevent flooding and protect households and businesses.
“We do not own rivers but we know we have an important role in improving river health.
He said upgrades at Ludlow Sewage Treatment Works, including new storm tanks and ozone disinfection, aim to reduce the impact on local waterways.
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